Black woodpecker
As the largest woodpecker species in Europe, the black woodpecker stands out with its striking call in the forest. The drumming on tree trunks is also characteristic, with the black woodpecker making up to 17 beats per second. The plumage is all the simpler – classic black combined with a red crest. A toe pointing backwards helps the woodpecker to climb, and it uses its long tail feathers to support itself on the tree trunk. The woodpecker also performs an important service for the animals in the forest. For example, abandoned woodpecker caves are often used by other birds or bats as roosts and for rearing their young.
- The black woodpecker has shock absorbers in its head so that it doesn’t get a headache from hammering.
Scientific Name
Dryocopus martius
Age
- up to 15 years
Nutrition
- Insects
- Invertebrates
Adversaries
- Birds of prey
- Marten
- Weasel
Weight
- up to 370 g
Wingspan: 45 - 57 cm
Other birds
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